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WATER MAIN FLUSHING DOES NOT IMPACT LAKE LEVELS

Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - 11:25am

Madison Water Utility would like to express concern over the current high water levels in the area's lakes and address potential concern regarding the impact of the Utility's water main flushing program. Current flushing operations are being conducted on the west and south sides of the city. Although efforts are made, when possible, to divert flushing water to pervious surfaces, most of the water reaches the storm sewer and eventually the Madison area lakes. Flushing operations use approximately 1 million gallons per day. If all of this water were to reach Lake Monona, the lake level would rise approximately 0.011 inches or 1/64 of an inch.

Although we have taken precautionary measures by selectively curtailing some flushing operations this week, we believe it is in the best interests of the City to continue the flushing program, given the negligible impact on lake levels. We will continue to monitor the impact of our activities on lake levels and flooding, and we encourage feedback from the community regarding these concerns.